Pret A Manger has introduced body-worn cameras for its staff in a bid to combat a sharp rise in shoplifting and attacks on retail workers.
The coffee chain has started a trial in six of its London branches, where team leaders and managers will wear cameras. Signs have been put up at the locations to inform customers of the new measure.
The initiative comes as UK retailers face increasing challenges with post-pandemic crime, leading to significant financial losses and heightened security concerns. According to the Office for National Statistics, more than 430,000 shoplifting incidents were reported in England and Wales last year, the highest number since records began in 2003. The British Retail Consortium estimates retail theft could cost up to £2 billion in 2024, doubling losses from 2023.
The rise in crime in the retail sector has also been accompanied by a rise in violence against workers. The Retail Research Centre reports that incidents of violence and abuse against retail workers have increased by 50% over the past year, with an alarming 1,300 cases recorded every day.
A Pret spokesperson confirmed that the body cameras, which were introduced last month, will only be activated in specific circumstances and will be managed by Pret’s security team. The move follows similar moves by other organisations, such as Lidl, which has invested £2m in body cameras for all UK staff, and English Heritage, which has fitted staff with cameras in response to rising anti-social behaviour at historic sites.
The body camera trial is part of Pret’s wider efforts to address security and operational challenges in the wake of the pandemic. The chain recently announced a major shift to its popular coffee subscription service, which will end in September. The service was initially launched during the pandemic, allowing members to enjoy five free barista-made drinks a day. However, due to inflationary pressures, the subscription cost rose from £20 to £30 before being discontinued. It will be replaced by a new system offering half-price drinks for £10 a month.
Pret also responded to customer feedback by lowering the prices of some of its best-selling sandwiches and food options, addressing criticism of its high prices.
While the body-worn camera trial is not directly linked to the recent far-right riots that have hit Britain’s high streets, it reflects growing concern among retailers about the safety of their staff and protecting their businesses in an increasingly challenging environment. With Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer making retail crime a focal point of his election manifesto, and promising to create a standalone offence for assaulting shop workers, the issue remains firmly in the public eye.
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